Successful Treatment of Lupus Nephritis

By Dr. Shallu Verma in Metro Heart Institute with Multispecialty, Faridabad

A 24-year-old young female was admitted to Metro Hospital, Faridabad, with complaints of difficulty in breathing and abdominal swelling. She had previously been admitted to another hospital for a similar complaint, but her condition worsened.

Upon evaluation, she exhibited severe anemia, leucopenia, massive ascites, pleural effusion, and pericardiac effusion. She required oxygen and couldn’t lie down straight. Further examination revealed low albumin, nephrotic-range proteinuria, and a diagnosis of Lupus (pancytopenia, ANA positive, low C3, C4, proteinuria). Her kidney biopsy confirmed Lupus Nephritis.

Immediate treatment with immunosuppressive drugs led to a dramatic improvement, and she was discharged on the third day. Just three weeks later, the patient has resumed her normal activities and is taking medication regularly.

Lupus is a multisystem autoimmune disease that can be life-threatening when it affects vital organs like Brain, Heart, Lungs, kidneys etc. Early treatment is essential to control the disease and prevent organ damage.